Issue date: October 06, 1999
In addition to organic compost, Wheeler Farms also delivers special compost mixes. Planters mix is compost and clean topsoil in a 50/50 blend that can go directly into the garden or raised beds. Nursery or container mix has sand or sandy loam with nitrified fibrous organic material and trace agricultural elements needed for vigorous plant growth.
The cost is $22 per yard for compost, $28 per cubic yard for planters mix and $30 per cubic yard for container mix, with a minimum delivery of three yards. Mr. Stevenson will also mix up custom compost for customers who have had their soil tested and found out it is lacking certain amendments. Cost of the custom mix is $30 to $45 per cubic yard.
There is also a $25 delivery fee for the areas between Woodside and Los Altos Hills for between 3 and 12 yards.
Using compost not only helps decrease the need for fertilizers, it also helps change the structure of sticky, clay-type soil, making it easier to dig and keeping it from compacting so water cannot penetrate deeply.
Compost should not be allowed to completely dry out before it is worked into the soil or else the beneficial organisms in it will die, Mr. Stevenson says.
Landscaper Breen recommends that compost be added to garden beds at least once a year, although Mr. Stevenson says that after a number of years amendment may no longer be necessary.
Find out more about Wheeler Farms on the Internet at www.wadou.com/wheeler/ or call 424-1896.
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